Final answer:
Spirituality and faith in later life are associated with improved coping mechanisms and mental health due to the hope and social support they offer, and they have also been linked to better physical health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the effects of spirituality and faith in later life on individuals' well-being. Based on various research findings, including those by Hood, Spilka, Hunsberger, & Corsuch (1996) and McIntosh, Silver, & Wortman (1993), it has been suggested that spirituality and faith can improve coping mechanisms in individuals facing death or the loss of a loved one. This is because religious or spiritual beliefs often come with the hope of an afterlife and provide social support from religious or spiritual associates, which can contribute to better mental health and coping during times of stress.
Moreover, studies like those conducted by Hackney & Sanders (2003) indicate a positive correlation between religiosity and mental health, whereas research by Rasmussen, Scheier, & Greenhouse (2009) supports the idea that a positive outlook, often reinforced by spiritual beliefs, can contribute to better physical health. Therefore, in the context of late adulthood, engagement in spirituality and religious practices can be seen as a way to support overall well-being and not as something that decreases it or worsens anxiety or physical health.